Tiki Talk

How could Exotica - a wholly inauthentic mishmash of foreign sounds, rhythms, and motifs - lead the way for American listeners to accept the sounds of authentic World Music? Ben Willis explores the influence that Tiki's biggest musical genre may have had in shaping tastes decades after its heyday, from Latin Rock, to Disco, and even children's TV.Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

What could be more theatrical than being immersed in pure escapism, allowing yourself to be transported to a far away tropical land, where warm breezes meet cool, fanciful cocktails? Ben Willis explores the spectacle of the Tiki Bar, and how just a bit of flair and fun can make all the difference.Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Sometimes, it truly does take a (Tiki) village... Ben Willis explores how the California counterculture community in the 1990s, and not long after that, the Internet-based community of Tiki Central in the early 2000s helped shape the modern Tiki revival across the US, and around the world.Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Born on the same beaches of Southern California, the world of Tiki and the music of Surf Rock would take nearly 50 years and two generations before settling in comfortably with each other. Ben Willis explores how intervening fads in music, movies, and '90s counterculture helped Surf and Tiki eventually cohabitate in the modern Tiki Revival scene. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Would you live in a Tiki-fied house? Is rattan furniture only appropriate for the patio? Was Elvis a Polynesiac? And how many giant wooden forks and spoons does one person actually need!? Ben Willis tries to answer these burning questions, and maybe quench them with a soothing Macadamia Nut Chi-Chi - listen in for the full story!Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Headhunters, flaming Moai, and the most extravagant Tiki restaurant ever built in America - Ben Willis digs into the history and ultimate fate of one of the greatest temples to Polynesian Pop, the Kahiki Supper Club in Columbus Ohio. Listen in! Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

What do you do when you want to Tiki-fy your life, but funds are running low? Do it yourself, and improvise of course! Ben explores how the DIY ethic has gone hand-in-hand with Tiki from its very earliest days, and gives a recipe for a delicious and simple Caribbean elixir - Home-made Pimento Dram!Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Ben Willis explores “The De-evolution and Fall of Classic Tiki” with a look at abandoned Tiki landmarks, a midcentury knock-off version of the Zombie, and Link Wray’s 1974 classic “Rumble.” It’s Tiki history, forgotten places, vintage drinks, and great music—all in one episode! Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Today Ben tips his hat to a bold red classic with a wild history that stretches across centuries and somehow lands in the Tiki revival. Plus, he mixes up a bright, citrus-loaded cocktail with a smooth kick you’ll want to try. Hear the full story and get the full recipe now.Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Ben Willis connects a few dots from Tiki history - from carved details and island influence to a legacy that quietly shaped the scene behind the bar. Some stories were meant to stay mysterious. It’s the kind of listen that makes you see Tiki a little differently. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Before Tiki bars, before bamboo décor and island cocktails, there was a story that helped shape the whole look and feel. Ben Willis traces the roots of the Tiki lifestyle - and pairs it with a classic cocktail and a song to match. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Tiki wasn’t always just palm trees and Polynesia. One classic cocktail, unexpected imagery, and a surprising piece of bar history come together in this episode. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

On this episode of Ben Willis Tiki Talk, it started with the Missionaries, which led to the Muumuu, and ultimately to the Aloha Shirt - where it came from, what it meant, and why it raised a few eyebrows - then it takes a turn you probably won’t expect. If you like your rock history mixed with culture, irony, and just enough detail to make it interesting, this one’s worth the click. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Hot buttered rum has deep roots - from early America to island influence - before finding its way into Tiki culture. Ben traces the story right up to Trader Vic, whose version helped make Hot Buttered Rum a cold-weather classic behind the bamboo bar. He hints at the why, the when, and the who - but if you want the actual recipe, you’ll have to push play, plus check our page for visuals, MegaRockPA on Facebook.Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Ready to slip away to the islands without leaving Pennsylvania? This Friday, Ben Willis is uncovering something nautical, vintage, and surprisingly glassy - a piece of beachcomber treasure that would fit right in between your Tikis and your shrunken heads. He’s also opening the recipe book of Tiki legend Jeff Berry… and there’s a certain fisherman lurking in the playlist. Curious? Push play on the MegaRockPA App or listen on-demand at MegaRockPA.com. And for the full visual escape, visit MegaRockPA on Facebook to see exactly what Ben is talking about.Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

There’s a certain holiday creature lurking in Ben Willis’ Tiki vault… something carved, ceramic, and absolutely not meant for the faint of heart. Let’s just say this artifact holds more than just history - it can also hold… well, you'll have to tap the episode to find out. How did one unlikely legend crash the Tiki world? And why do true collectors grin the second they spot this one on the shelf?  Catch the newest drop of Tiki Talk: Artifact #9. And if you want to see this wild piece up close, the visuals are on our Facebook page at MegaRockPA.Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Ready to escape for a few minutes? In this week’s Tiki Talk, Ben Willis dives into the surprising history of how the pineapple became the ultimate symbol of Tiki culture - from hospitality to Hollywood to the heyday of the Tiki bars. And yes… Ben’s mixing up a tropical cocktail right inside a real pineapple shell. Sip along, learn a little, and get swept away to your own mini-vacation. Hit play now on the MegaRockPA App OR On Demand at MegaRocjkPA.com and join the Tiki Tribe!Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Dive into today’s Tiki Talk On Demand! Ben takes you into the world of mid-century Tiki traditions - the kind built for sharing, showing off, and maybe causing a little ruckus. He also shares a special piece of Tiki history from his own collection for some show-and-tell at MegaRockPA on Facebook. And yes… there’s a vintage recipe in the mix, but you’ll have to listen to find out what it is. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

This week on Tiki Talk, Ben Willis shares how you can easily turn a space into a personal paradise - with mood lighting, island décor, and a little DIY magic. From crafting your own tropical glow to mixing up the Starboard Light Cocktail, Ben’s got the blueprint for your next great escape.  Press play and sail away - paradise is just a vibe (and a light bulb) away! Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Tiki Talk with Ben Willis - Halloween Edition! Ben talks Zombies and more!Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Today on Tiki Talk with Ben Willis: What really counts as Tiki décor? 🗿🌴 Ben dives in on this week’s Tiki Talk! Check out the Tiki visuals on our Facebook page MegaRockPA and see if your setup makes the cut. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

Push play in case ya missed Tiki Talk today! Ben Willis talks about the history of the iconic Trader Vic's chain of Tiki bars and their many locations of yester years. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

This week on Tiki Talk with Ben Willis, Ben’s diving into the evolution of Tiki cuisine - from Pupu Platters to paradise-worthy plates - and shaking up a Singapore Sling that’ll have you feeling those island breezes. Then he tops it off with a little Dick Dale - total Chef’s Kiss! Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com

It's Friday and it's time to light the torches for Tiki Talk with Ben Willis! Simple festive island tips and a killer song pairing. Tiki Talk airs Friday afternoons around 2:45 PM Eastern during the Ben Willis show at MegaRockPA.com